MOSAIC MESH: How to Tile + Grout BEFORE Adhering to a Final Substrate

In today’s video I’ll show you how to tile and grout a mesh mosaic before it’s adhered to its final substrate. We’ll talk about how to prep the mesh for tiling, acceptable adhesives, tiling, grouting, and finishing off. We’ll also discuss why you would want to use this indirect method in your mosaic work. As always, LOTS of tips and tricks throughout.

SKIM THE VIDEO:
00:00​ - INTRO
00:57 - WHY MOSAIC & GROUT YOUR MESH?
01:48 - PREP THE SUBSTRATE
03:38 - TILING ON MESH
06:07 - GROUTING THE SMALL STUFF
08:13 - FINISHING OFF
10:58 - QOTD
11:30 - BLOOPERS

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ALL ITEMS USED/DISCUSSED IN THIS VIDEO:

SUBSTRATES

TOOLS

TESSERAE

ADHESIVES + GROUT

MISCELLANEOUS

JULIE’S FAVORITE MOSAIC TOOLS
→ GLASS CUTTERS*

JULIE’S STUDIO BACKGROUND - MATERIALS ORGANIZATION:

[margaretdougherty]

HI Julie, Thank you so much for your great videos. I am new to mosiac art. I've learne alot from you already. Would it be possible to video how you would attach a piece of mesh mosiac art to its final substrate? Thanks again and best regards, Margaret

[BobBevill]

Thank you. I will combine this technique to replace 1-by-1 inch bathroom tiles that i have only a limited supply to repair water damage around the bathtub and toilet. My problem in the past is that when repairing 1-to-4 tiles in a bathroom floor with grout and no intermediate substrate, the wood substrate bends and bows over time, making the tiles pop out within 6 months, and I get to start all over again. I am hoping this technique (with the mesh in between the tile and wood substrate) will have a more permanent bonding effect to all of the foot traffic and bending subfloor wood substrate. Thank you.

[michellelalonde]

I cannot wait to try this! Thanks, Julie, for another great video!

[mariawilson]

Wow ! thank you, I have just watched this video and I am hooked ! I intend to mosaic a lizard on mesh, then secure him on a concrete slab, thank you

[mariaphilomena]

I really like this idea it seems a little less intimidating in a way I just don't know where to find the mesh so hopefully you've got a link in your description, my biggest issue so far with the mosaics I've done is I am not good at timing when I should start wiping off the grout... I'm either wiping it off too soon or too late or the sponge I'm using is too damp. Not giving up! Love your videos and love your channel!!!

[timeenuf]

Amazing and so clear as always. Love your videos and your referencing other videos that are applicable. Thank you so much.

[elizabethdodsdivers]

Hello Julie, Hope your Wrist is on the mend. I've been enjoying again, and again, some of the videos you have. Quick question for you, where can I buy Mosaic Mesh? Keep those videos coming. Happy Memorial Day.

[deeannhansen]

Good morning Ms Julie.
Do you need to prep your final substrate before applying it??

[juliamclain]

Hi Julie. Your videos are excellent. Does one of them address how to adhere a pregrouted section of tile onto the wall and also how large can that section be. Thank you so much!

[pmarlowe]

Another great tutorial! Had not thought of doing this but now can’t wait to try it. If you were installing this to a vertical surface, would you use thinset as your adhesive? Thanks!

[elizabethdodsdivers]

Hi Julie, It's me again. Figured out what you meant by Hearted-Comments, all the way to the I Found a Celtic swirly pattern, so will be trying the mesh method. I'll feel safer doing this than straight on the box. Again, keep those videos coming. Fourth of July is coming up soon, you and your family have a Safe and Enjoyable time. Cheerio the nooo, Elizabeth

[juniperx]

How do you adhere the finished mesh tile piece to a backing like wood? Thank you

[patsyw]

Wouldn't it be easier and safer to pull the plastic off of the design rather than the design off the plastic? Great video! Thanks!

[joychip]

How big did the squares need to be on the mesh? If you’re doing relatively small pieces does it have to be another word gauge or bigger pieces a wider gauge? I’m never sure so I’ve never bought any

[dianetoor]

Love your videos. Can this process be used with various thickness tessera and flip to have a flat smooth front?

[khovater]

So, I was getting ready to use mesh for some glass stones and was going to use weld bond and dark gray thin set, but according to this video, I see that I might need to use a white thin set. Now what should I do? Should I use the white thin set to adhere it and just use the gray to grout it?

[karenjoncour]

Thanks for the tutorial! You mentioned not to use this method for a large mosaic. Would there be any difficulties if you did a whole group of smaller panels this way and then assembled them into one larger mosaic?

[cindycarlyle]

I am starting a project I've been thinking about for a long time. I am experienced with regular tile laying, and have done a couple mosaic projects. I saw this technique and was wondering if this might be the best technique to use. Here's my project....I am making stairs for the side of my hill by my front door. Instead of putting boring pavers down, I've made my own and want to mosaic them. The pavers are 17" X12 1/2". There will be 22 pavers in total (it's a big hill!) Since there are so many, I wanted to take my time and have fun, not make it a chore! Since we want to use the stairs now, I am making all the pavers now. I considered pressing the tiles into the paver when I pour it, but that limits you on time and seems more stressful instead of fun. What would you do? Apply the thinset directly to the paver and mosaic them one at a time, or use this technique? I love your videos! I've learned so much. Thank you!

[srcryer]

I really enjoy all your videos. I have a question, I've been cutting some stained glass for mosaics, after assembly i have found the edges and points to be very sharp, do you smoothe all the edges before setting them in the adhesive?

[laurawalker]

Can you use this method for a brick or stone outside? What would you use? Thank you. I am brand new and haven't done anything yet